Pruning Marginata Plants

by Nannette Richford

Dracaena marginata, commonly known as the red edged dracaena, tree dracaena or Madagascar dragon tree, is typically grown as a houseplant but can be grown outside in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. Marginata produces an abundance of spiky leaves atop a slender stem. Regular pruning maintains its shape and controls height.

Procedure

Pruning a marginata plant is as simple as cutting the stem to the desired height with a sharp knife or garden pruners. The wound heals quickly without any assistance from you. A new flush of foliage appears within weeks slightly below the cut.

Controlling Height

Marginata plants can reach heights of 8 to 15 feet and often require pruning to control their height, particularly when grown in containers. Evaluate your plant to determine the height you desire. Keep in mind that once the leaves grow back, they may add up to 3 feet to the height of the plant, as leaves range in size from 18 to 36 inches.

Forcing Branching

If left to its own devices, this plant will continually produce new leaves as the lower leaves drop and may take on the appearance of a tall stem with a tuft of leaves at the top. With pruning, you can force your marginata plant to form multiple branches. Cutting the marginata tree to the desired length with a sharp knife or pruning shears forces two or more new branches to form. A cluster of leaves appears on each branch within a few weeks. Repeating the procedure, by cutting the branches back to the desired length during periods of active growth, forces continued branching creating dense foliage.

Annual Pruning

Many prefer to prune their marginata plants each spring while the plant is actively growing. This is especially effective for outdoor plants as it takes advantage of the spurt of growth common in early spring. Selective pruning to force branching where desired keeps your marginata tree in shape.

Worth Noting

Rooting the cuttings in moist perlite or sand creates new plants from your pruning. Sections of the stem can also be rooted by placing 2- to 3-inch sections on their sides and slightly covering them with growing medium. New buds appear within a few weeks, alerting you that the root system has formed. New plants can be planted around the base of the original to create a cluster of stems or potted individually.

About the Author

Nannette Richford is an avid gardener, teacher and nature enthusiast with more than four years' experience in online writing. Richford holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education from the University of Maine Orono and certifications in teaching 7-12 English, K-8 General Elementary and Birth to age 5.

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